— Around MLS, Sporting Kansas City signed coach and technical director Peter Vermes to a new deal, Chicago signed a DP forward out of Ecuador, and Montreal has announced it is in advanced negotiations with an Argentine midfielder.

— Here are the referee assignments for two weeks from now, where Edvin Jurisevic will be in charge of an Aug. 3 home game against FC Dallas.

— The latest from the rumor mill has the Los Angeles Galaxy after Manchester United’s Anderson as a DP.

— SI’s Grant Wahl took a look at what goes into the FIFA world rankings. He also passed along this link about inflated prices in Brazil leading into the World Cup, including $30 for a cheese pizza.

— Lastly, the latest from Instant Replay suggest Obafemi Martins might deserve a fine for simulation last game against Colorado. That program has been off on a few Sounders-related observations in the past, however.